Column for Augut 11, 2005

In today's all you can eat world, is there such a thing as to much? Or is it don't ask, don't tell, just go go go, eat eat eat, spend spend spend? Can people really ever say no? Could the price of, you name it; gas, water, cigarettes, concert tickets, libraries, downtown gazebos, TEA, ever go so high you would actually say no? How much is to much to spend on schools, roads, old people, young people, health care, or downtown development?

Over 60 people have submitted applications to become executive director of Farmington's Downtown Development Authority. The position pays a base salary of at least $50,000 and several possible bonus for achieving annual DDA goals.

I don't have the answers, I am having a hard time even asking the questions. I don't really even know what a Downtown Development Authority has authority over. Or why they need an executive director. Is that a job that a volunteer couldn't do? Is it something the Mayor shouldn't be doing? Is it something that a non-educated women couldn't do? I just through that last one in to see if I couldn't alienate a few more people.

Truly I am not just trying to make people mad or make people think I am crazy. But $50,000 a year, $1000 a week, $200 per day, and this is just part of one persons pay. Does anyone know how much brick pavers, old fashion street lights and gazebos cost? Does anyone care? Opps here is another taxing thought popping into my head. $200 per day x how many cities are there in Michigan? Hello tax payers just keep signing them blank checks.

OK, time to change topics, something light, something seasonal. The Michigan State Fair August 10 through 21 at the Fair grounds 8 mile and Woodward. This years fair features
Boys II Men on the 11th, American Idol Josh Gracin on the 14th, Big E -Elvis Show on the 16th, ZZ Top on the 16th-but no beard contest, Brian McKnight on the 18th, The Impressions on the 20th, and Alice Cooper on the 21st. If you have never been to the State Fair or if it has been years, get up, get out, eat an elephant ear and have some fun.

If you are afraid of the State Fair, you might try the Wayne County Fair August 9 through 13 located on Quirk Road just off the I-94 service drive west of Belleville. Lots and lots of entertainment, farm animals, truck pulls, carnival rides. On Saturday the 13th an old fashion Demolition Derby, famous DJ Deno Day and Benny and the Jets band. All this only $5, parking included and kids get if FREE.